EIA: U.S. Renewable Energy Use Up 3 Percent in 2003

The U.S. consumption of renewable energy increased 3 percent in 2003,
according to preliminary data released on August 18th by DOE's Energy
Information Administration (EIA). The EIA's "Renewable Energy Trends
2003" found that more than half the increase came from a 4 percent
increase in hydropower production, while a 3 percent increase in
biomass use provided most of the remaining growth. Although U.S. wind
energy capacity grew significantly in 2003, most of the growth was
toward the end of the year, so energy production from wind power only
grew by about 3 percent, providing little contribution to the overall
growth in renewable energy use. According to the EIA, solar energy use
stayed about even, as solar thermal energy consumption declined while
solar power production increased. The EIA data will eventually be
incorporated into its "Renewable Energy Annual 2003," slated for
release in November. See the EIA's "Renewable Energy Trends 2003."